Primary iliopsoas abscess is defined by the absence of any identifiable predisposing condition, setting it apart from secondary forms that arise in the context of adjacent or systemic disease. The distinction matters clinically, because it shapes both the diagnostic work-up and the treatment approach.
Iliopsoas abscess is classified as primary or secondary depending on the presence or absence of underlying disease. In the primary form, no such disease is identified. Because of the characteristic microbiology of primary cases, antistaphylococcal antibiotic coverage is typically initiated before culture results become available.
Management of primary iliopsoas abscess centres on abscess drainage combined with antistaphylococcal antibiotic therapy. The specific drainage strategy and the criteria for choosing between approaches are defined in the full structured protocol.
DOI: 10.1136/pgmj.2003.017665